Jujutsu

Jujutsu – Japanese Martial Arts Style

Jujutsu (also known as Jujitsu or Jiu-Jitsu) is a Japanese martial arts that focuses on joint locks, holds and throws. It tries to redirect or manipulate the force of an attack in order to defeat the attacker.

This ancient Japanese martial arts style has influenced the development of a number of “younger” martial arts such as Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It is also closely related to the Japanese martial arts of Aikijujitsu.

Description of Jujutsu

According to the United States Ju-Jitsu Federation, “Ju-Jitsu, which means “Gentle Art” is a system of combat whereas a smaller person may defeat a person of greater physical stature. The term “Gentle Art” in no way implies that Ju-Jitsu is a gentle, dainty art. Indeed, Ju-Jitsu was the primary unarmed combat method of the Samurai and could devastatingly brutal on the field of battle. The term “Gentle Art” is really a description of the principles and techniques which are the foundation of the art. A more accurate translation of “Ju-Jitsu, would be “Way of Flexibility”. The smaller person cannot rely upon brute force and strength to overcome someone who is bigger and stronger. The smaller person must instead use his opponents strength and momentum to add to his/her own technique to gain victory in combat. When the opponent pushes, the defender would pull. When pulled, the defender would push. This is the principle of “Ju no ri” as taught in Ju-Jitsu.”

Jujutsu concentrates on the following techniques:

  • Atemi Waza – Striking techniques
  • Nage Waza – Throwing techniques
  • Kensetsu Waza – Joint manipulation
  • Shime Waza – Strangulation or choking techniques
  • Katame Waza – Grappling techniques
  • Ukemi Waza – Falling techniques

Video of Jujutsu Techniques

References

  1. United States Ju-Jitsu Federation, What is Ju-Jitsu?, http://www.usjjf.org/info/jujitsu.htm, Added – 6/30/13